The next-generation Jaguar XJ will be a high-end electric vehicle that will serve as a technology flagship for the British automaker.
According to Autocar, Jaguar has decided to develop an all-new version of the XJ despite downward trending sales figures for big sedans. It plans to keep the XJ nameplate relevant by completely reinventing it, positioning the car as a fully electric alternative to vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This would essentially make it a more well-equipped rival to the Tesla Model S – the only true premium electric sedan on sale today.
In addition to adopting an EV powertrain, the XJ will also morph into a five-door sedan, likely adopting a fastback shape similar to that of the Model S. The vehicle will also usher in a new design language for the brand, and Autocar reports JLR lead designer Ian Callum has already finalized the new sedan’s styling.
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The new XJ’s EV powertrain will be previewed by the fully electric I-Pace crossover, which will launch this spring. The I-Pace is expected to have a 90 kWh battery pack, which will be good for about 220 miles of driving range. The I-Pace concept featured four electric motors producing 200 hp apiece, bringing total output to around 800 hp. It seems likely the mass market I-Pace won’t be this powerful, however a performance version could arrive with a similarly robust powertrain. From launch, the XJ will have a dual-motor setup with AWD, Autocar reports.
The next-gen Jaguar XJ will debut later this year before going on sale sometime in 2019.
[Source: Autocar]
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